An artist is considered a genius when they possess an exceptional ability to create work that is not only technically proficient but also deeply innovative, transformative, and capable of profoundly impacting the cultural landscape, often by expressing ideas or emotions in a completely new and groundbreaking way, going beyond what is readily understood by the general public; essentially, they have a unique vision that allows them to see and interpret the world in a way that others cannot, resulting in art that is both aesthetically powerful and intellectually stimulating. Read More
The beauty of abstract art, both for the viewer and artist, is that any person can interpret any art they see in whichever way they decide to. Therefore, this art has a lot of freedom of exploration and breaks most art rules. The artistic, creative mind has more freedom to interpret whatever appears before the sense.
The viewer is required to have an open mind and a big imagination, as abstract art is an exploration of these formal qualities rather than a direct narrative. This type of art is personal and speaks to the nonverbal parts of our existence, often evoking feelings that are difficult to explain adequately in words.
In the arts, imagination is a crucial component of creativity. Artists use their imagination to create works of art that inspire, captivate, and move others. Without imagination, artists would be unable to conceive of new ideas and would be limited to creating only what is already known. Read More
Artists often feel a sense of "love" when creating because the act of making art can be deeply personal, allowing them to express their emotions, thoughts, and experiences in a tangible form, which can lead to a feeling of fulfillment, satisfaction, and a connection to something bigger than themselves; essentially, it's a way to channel positive energy and passion into their work, triggering a sense of joy and creative flow. Read More
Artists often "get into the zone" when creating by achieving a state called "flow," which involves deep focus, a clear goal, immediate feedback on their work, and a balance between perceived challenge and skill level, allowing them to become fully absorbed in the creative process without self-conscious distractions; this can be facilitated by setting up a dedicated workspace, listening to music that inspires them, and minimizing external interruptions. Read More
It used to be that we could differentiate art by the brush strokes, the detail, the realistic nature of the piece. Now we see contemporary blobs of color that auction off for tens of millions of dollars and most of us say “What is the auction house /art gallery thinking?” We are left asking ourselves is this piece really extraordinary? Read More
In the ever-evolving world of art, the boundaries between different disciplines are becoming increasingly blurred. Artists are no longer confined to a single medium or technique, but rather, they are embracing multidisciplinary approaches to express their creativity.
Multidisciplinary artists combine multiple disciplines in their work, creating a new field that may not fit easily into traditional art categories. They often have a broad knowledge of materials, how to use them together, and the processes involved.
Multidisciplinary artists may have started out in traditional disciplines like painting or drawing, but have since expanded into other art-related fields. Some say that multidisciplinary artists have more flexibility and can carve their own path, allowing them to approach their art in a way that's more authentic to their intuition. Read More
Art has always been a dance between reality and perception. It serves as a playground where artists can manipulate our senses. They challenge our understanding of the world around us. Illusion has been central in captivating audiences, from the trompe-l’oeil paintings of the Renaissance. Contemporary art installations also push the boundaries of creative expression. John Dowling a.k.a. John Dowling Jr. is a master of both traditional and digital techniques. He embraces the art of illusion. His works play with our perceptions. They invite us to question the very nature of reality. His paintings, photographs, and digital creations demonstrate art’s power to deceive and delight. They ultimately reveal deeper truths about ourselves and the world we inhabit. “Illusion is the first of all pleasures.” – Oscar Wilde Illusionistic Techniques in John Dowling’s Art John Dowling’s art employs a variety of illusionistic techniques to create captivating and thought-provoking experiences: Scotomisation: Hiding in Plain Sight John Dowling also employs a technique known as scotomisation. This term is derived from the Greek word “skotoma,” meaning darkness or blindness. Scotomisation involves strategically obscuring parts of an image. This technique creates a sense of mystery and intrigue. It may even convey a hidden message. This […] Read More
